“Speed bumps?” Liz asked.

“Life is like a highway. Got to have a few curves and speed bumps or else you start to take things for granted.”

“I’ll remind you of that when your road is too straight and perfect,” Liz said.

Jasmine flipped a burger and added a slice of cheese to the top. “I bet you will!”

“Let’s talk Christmas decorations some more,” Liz said.

“Procrastination is over. Time to clean off a table.” Jasmine pointed toward the dining room.

The elderly men had pushed back their chairs and were putting on their mustard-colored work coats. She could clean it, pocket the tip, and ignore the O’Donnell sisters until their food was ready, or she could wait a few minutes and use it as an excuse if the speed bumps got too dangerous. She bypassed the cluttered table and sat down beside Gemma. “What brings you to town on a Tuesday, Colleen?”

“My hair. It was too long and needed some layers. Gemma just finished cutting it,” Colleen answered.

“It looks great, but then it always does,” Liz said. “Has anyone ever asked you to model for their hair products?” Liz asked.

“Not yet. Raylen told me that y’all are dating,” Colleen blurted out.

Own your decisions, Aunt Tressa’s voice said.

Liz stared right into Colleen’s eyes without blinking. “Yes, we are.”

Colleen stared back with the same determination. “Don’t break his heart, or you will answer to me.”

Liz nodded. “I won’t, and if he breaks mine he will answer to more than one person.”

Liz expected more threats, but Colleen smiled. “Raylen says your place looks like the Griswold house. I’m looking forward to seeing it.”

Liz couldn’t help but smile back at her. “It’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen. I’ve got presents under the tree, and it’s huge,” she gushed. “And speaking of my party, please join us for the fun. There’s even a present under the tree for you, Colleen, and could I borrow your folding tables and chairs for my party next Wednesday night?” She stopped long enough to take a breath and went on, “I can’t wait for y’all to meet all my carnie family, and for them to meet all y’all. Maybe then they’ll stop bugging me about giving up my house and land to go back to the carnival life.”

“Wow!” Colleen’s eyes got big as saucers, and she gasped.

“Is that sarcasm?” Liz asked. “I know I talk too much and too fast when I’m excited but—”

Colleen tilted her head toward the door. “No sarcasm intended. That is one fine-looking—”

“Blaze!” Liz shouted, crossed the floor in a dead run, and jumped into his waiting arms.

“Hi, sweetheart! Who is that gorgeous redhead?” he whispered.

Liz’s answer was somewhere between a laugh and a groan.

Colleen and Blaze?

The devil would be line dancing in heaven to Charlie Daniels’s “Devil Went Down to Georgia” before Texas was big enough for that combination.

“There’s two women back there. You sure you’re lookin’ at the redhead?”